Construction
Hyannis Youth and Community Center to Start Construction (Text from the Town of Barnstable Bulletin)
The long awaited Hyannis Youth and Community Center Project is scheduled to start construction early in January as general construction bids have been favorably received and the contract award is being recommended by the Building Committee.
The project was expanded by the Town Council last May as it sought to increase the main rink seating capacity to 1500 with 250 in the second rink. The gymnasium was also enlarged to accommodate a competition basketball court with two full cross courts and portable seating for spectators along with an elevated three lane jogging track.
The snack bar concession and dining area was expanded for the increased number of spectators. Additional property was added to the site along Stevens Street to accommodate needed parking. The building of 105,000 SF now meets the requests of members of the general public and the Barnstable Youth Commission who spoke favorably on the new proposal last May.
The existing Kennedy Memorial Rink will remain in operation until August of 2009 when the new facility is slated to open. Thereafter, the existing facility will be demolished to make way for additional parking and the completion of the attractive landscaped site in November, 2009 which will serve as the gateway to the downtown district.
The completed multi-generational project will be a facility of which Barnstable residents can all be extremely proud!
“This facility is so desperately needed by our youth.
I am proud to be associated with this worthy project.”
Paul Wylie, Olympic Silver Medalist
We are excited to announce that the Town of Barnstable has recently increased its incredible commitment to the youth of our community with an additional $6.7 million appropriation for the Hyannis Youth & Community Center! These additional funds will enhance the youth center component to include two full sized basketball/volley ball courts, increase seating in the main rink to 1,500, and the secondary rink to 250.
These changes will mean a delay in the groundbreaking while new plans are drawn up. We believe the wait will be well worth it. Our youth will have a facility that will accommodate much more activity and meet the growing demands of this bustling community.
We salute the Barnstable Town Council for their vision and commitment to the youth of our community who so desperately need this safe haven.
The Town of Barnstable has now committed $18.7 million toward the construction of the Hyannis youth & Community Center and the Foundation, in partnership with the Town, has raised an additional $6 million in grants and private contributions. $1 million was received from the US Department of Education through the efforts of Senator Kennedy. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts contributed $3.5 million through the efforts of Senate President Therese Murray, Senator Rob O’Leary, Representatives Demetrius Atsalis and Jeffrey Perry, and Governor Mitt Romney. An additional $1.5 million was raised in private contributions, most notably a gracious $1 million gift from the Lyndon P. Lorusso Foundation.
The Hyannis Youth & Community Center, a state of the art facility, will provide much needed recreational and community services to the youth and residents of the Town of Barnstable . We are excited about the prospect of this facility and invite your support and contributions to this worthy project!